Narita Express (N'EX) Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East Narita Express (N'EX) airport access limited express train connecting Narita Airport Station with various destinations including Shinjuku Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative routes, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card/credit card contactless payment options. Since all seats are reserved, advance reservations are essential for this train. This article summarizes key points to check before traveling.

*The timetable reflects information as of March 14, 2026.

The Narita Express (N'EX) is a JR East limited express train connecting Narita Airport Station to Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shibuya, and Yokohama stations. It is used for travel from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, and is also convenient for travel from major stations like Tokyo and Shinjuku to Narita Airport. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required. Operating information and fares are subject to change, so please check the official website for the latest information before using the service.

What is the Narita Express (N'EX)?

The Narita Express (N'EX) is a JR East airport access limited express train that directly connects Narita International Airport with central Tokyo and Yokohama. Following the 253 series which debuted in 1991, it is currently operated by the E259 series. Its greatest appeal is the ability to travel from Narita Airport to stations such as Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shibuya, and Yokohama without transfers. All seats are reserved, so seat reservations must be made before boarding; seat reservations cannot be made on board.

Train Features and Popular Points

The Narita Express (N'EX) serves not only as a high-speed airport access limited express train but also as an intercity limited express train. All seats are equipped with large tables and power outlets, and in-car Wi-Fi (JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi) is available, making it convenient for working or gathering information while traveling. Each seat has a dial-lock luggage rack, which is appreciated by travelers as it allows for the safe storage of large suitcases. From 2023, a new silver-based design was adopted, resulting in a calm interior that reflects the scenery of the areas along the route. The Green Car features spacious 2+2 seating with leather upholstery and the same seat pitch as the Shinkansen Green Car.

Narita Express (N'EX) Timetable

*The Narita Express (N'EX) operates approximately 50 times a day in both directions, at intervals of 30 minutes to 1 hour. The stopping stations and operating sections vary depending on the destination (Shinjuku, Tokyo, Yokohama, Ofuna, etc.).

Timetable for Departures from Shinjuku (towards Narita Airport)

Timetable for Departures from Narita Airport (towards Shinjuku)

The destinations vary depending on the train, including Shinjuku, Ofuna, and Tokyo, and the intermediate stopping stations also differ from train to train. Please check the destination and stopping stations before boarding. The above is an excerpt of major time slots between Shinjuku Station and Narita Airport Station; the complete timetable can be found on Ekitan's Narita Express (N'EX) timetable.

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Days When Service is Suspended

The Narita Express (N'EX) operates daily from early morning until night, and is not a train with limited operating days. However, there may be schedule changes due to timetable revisions or seasonal changes.

Operating Sections of the Narita Express (N'EX)

Main Sections

• Narita Airport Station to Shinjuku Station
• Narita Airport Station to Tokyo Station
• Narita Airport Station to Shibuya Station
• Narita Airport Station to Yokohama Station/Ofuna Station

Shinjuku Station is a hub for accessing Shinjuku Kabukicho and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck, while Tokyo Station and Shibuya Station are also major tourist and business areas in central Tokyo. There are also services bound for Yokohama Station and Ofuna Station, and the operating section varies depending on the destination. Please check the destination of the service you will be taking before boarding.

Narita Express (N'EX) Stopping Stations

Main Stopping Stations

• Narita Airport Station
• Airport Terminal 2 Station
• Chiba Station
• Tokyo Station
• Shinagawa Station
• Shibuya Station
• Shinjuku Station
• Yokohama Station (for Yokohama and Ofuna directions only)
• Ofuna Station (Ofuna direction only)

*The stations stopped at may vary depending on the train. Please check the latest list of stations stopped at on the JR East official website.

Narita Express (N'EX) Fares

Representative Section Fares

*If you use a Green Car, the fare between Narita Airport Station and Shinjuku Station is 4,100 yen (basic fare 1,600 yen + Green Car surcharge 2,500 yen). For the most up-to-date information, please check the official JR East website or the fare search on Ekitan.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Ticket

The fare for the Narita Express (N'EX) is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the reserved seat limited express ticket (the fare required to ride the limited express train). The limited express fare for standard reserved seats varies depending on the season: regular season, low season, high season, and super high season. Since the Narita Express (N'EX) has all reserved seats, there is no fare for unreserved seats.

Online-Only Tickets (Ticketless Limited Express Tickets for Conventional Lines)

JR East's "Eki-net" service offers ticketless limited express tickets (discount tickets) for conventional lines, allowing you to purchase reserved seat limited express tickets at approximately 35% cheaper than paper tickets. These tickets are only available for online booking and are limited in number of trains and available seats, so early booking is recommended during high seasons.

*The fares are based on information as of March 2026. Fares may change depending on the date of use, purchase method, and fare revisions. For the most up-to-date information, please check the official JR East website or the fare search on Ekitan.

How to Buy a Ticket for the Narita Express (N'EX)

Eki-net (Online Reservation)

JR East's internet reservation service, "Eki-net" (free membership registration), allows you to reserve seats from your smartphone or computer. You can check seat availability in real time and complete your reservation 24 hours a day, even from home or while traveling, making it a convenient way to purchase tickets for travelers who don't have time to go to a station ticket office. If you use the conventional line ticketless limited express ticket (Tokuwari), you can purchase it at a lower price than a paper ticket, and after making a reservation, you can board simply by touching your IC card such as Suica. Reserved seat limited express tickets go on sale from one month before the date of travel.

Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi)

You can purchase both your basic fare ticket and reserved seat limited express ticket together at JR East's "Midori-no-madoguchi" (ticket offices). If you are unsure about communicating in Japanese or if this is your first time using the service, purchasing your tickets while consulting with staff at the counter is a safe option.

Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine

You can also purchase basic fare tickets and reserved limited express tickets at the ticket vending machines located at the stations. These machines offer multilingual guidance (English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean) and accept credit cards. Sales close 5 minutes before departure time.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

For foreign tourists, JR East offers the "N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket" (a discounted round-trip ticket from Narita Airport to the Tokyo metropolitan area, 5,200 yen for adults) and ticketless reservations using the "Welcome Suica Mobile" app for foreign visitors to Japan. The JAPAN RAIL PASS also allows you to ride in reserved seats in ordinary cars and Green Cars on the Narita Express (N'EX), and you can receive a seat reservation ticket without additional charge by presenting your pass at a reserved seat ticket machine or Midori-no-madoguchi.

*The types of passes, fares, and terms of use are subject to change. Please check the official JR East website for the latest information.

Do I Need to Get a Physical Ticket?

If you reserve a ticketless limited express ticket for conventional lines through "Eki-net," you do not need to receive a paper ticket, nor do you need to go through the procedure of picking up a reserved seat ticket at a station ticket office or designated seat ticket vending machine before boarding. After making a reservation, you can board simply by touching your IC card (including Mobile Suica) such as Suica to the ticket gate. On the other hand, if you purchase at a station ticket office or designated seat ticket vending machine, a paper limited express ticket will be issued, and you will need to take that with you when boarding. Whether or not you need to issue a ticket differs depending on the reservation method, so be sure to check which method you will be using when purchasing.

*The requirement for ticket issuance and the method of receiving the ticket may vary depending on the reservation service and ticket type. Please check the latest information in the instructions provided at the time of purchase or on the JR East official website.

Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?

When riding a limited express train that requires a fare, you will need a reserved seat limited express ticket in addition to your basic fare ticket. IC cards such as Suica can be used as the basic fare portion, and if you have reserved a ticketless limited express ticket for conventional lines through Eki-net, you can board simply by touching your IC card to the ticket gate.

If you purchase only a paper limited express ticket at a ticket office or vending machine, you will need to pay for the basic fare with an IC card and then insert the limited express ticket separately into the ticket gate. While contactless payment with credit cards is being introduced at some Narita Express (N'EX) stopping stations, the stations and areas covered are limited.

Even in areas where contactless payment is supported, only the basic fare portion is covered; reserved seat limited express tickets must be purchased separately. You cannot "ride a limited express train with just contactless payment." *Supported stations and areas may change. Please check the latest information on the JR East official website.

Seat Information for the Narita Express (N'EX)

Seat Types (Standard Reserved Seats / Green Car)

The Narita Express (N'EX) has standard reserved seats and Green Cars, but no unreserved seats.

Distinctive Seating

Standard reserved seats are 2+2 reclining seats, and all seats are equipped with a large table and a charging outlet. Green Car seats are also 2+2, but with a seat pitch of 1,160mm, which is 140mm wider than standard seats, providing the same level of spaciousness as Shinkansen Green Car seats. Leather seats, adjustable headrests, and reclining functions that allow you to enjoy a luxurious journey.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Each car has a luggage rack with a dial lock, allowing you to safely store large luggage such as suitcases. In the Green Cars (Cars 6 and 12), there is one luggage rack located near the entrance. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so if the train is full, luggage may be placed at your feet.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Green Cars (Cars 6 and 12) are equipped with a spacious multi-purpose room and a multi-functional restroom. Wheelchair-accessible seats are also available; if you wish to use them, we recommend requesting this when making your reservation.

*Seat types and onboard amenities vary depending on the train set and car number. Please check the latest train information on the JR East official website.

Ekiben and Onboard Food Options to Enjoy on the Narita Express (N'EX)

The Narita Express (N'EX) does not offer onboard sales, so if you want to enjoy food on board, you'll need to purchase it at a shop or cafe in the station or airport before boarding. Narita Airport Station and Airport Terminal 2 Station have convenience stores, cafes, and snack shops, making it easy to shop even in the short time before departure. Major stations such as Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station also have numerous bento box shops and cafes, and many travelers can be seen relaxing on the train.

*Please note that the operating hours and products available at shops within the station may change. Please check the official website of each station for the latest store information.

Points to Note When Riding the Narita Express (N'EX)

Since all seats on the Narita Express (N'EX) are reserved, it is recommended to book your seat early if you have a specific date and time in mind. Early morning and late-night services, as well as high seasons, tend to fill up quickly. Even within the Narita Express (N'EX), there are different destinations such as Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Yokohama, so please check your destination and stopping stations before boarding.

If you reserve a ticketless limited express ticket for conventional lines through Eki-net, you can board simply by touching your IC card. However, if you purchase a paper limited express ticket at a ticket office or vending machine, you will need to pick it up. Since contactless payment with a credit card alone cannot process the limited express ticket portion, please check the compatibility in advance. If you have a large suitcase, please use the luggage rack in each car.

Summary

The Narita Express (N'EX) is a JR East airport access limited express train that provides convenient travel from Narita Airport Station to Shinjuku, Tokyo, Shibuya, and Yokohama stations, with approximately 50 trains operating daily. All seats are reserved, so both a basic fare ticket and a reserved seat limited express ticket are required, and advance seat reservations are essential. Tickets can be purchased at Eki-net, Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket offices), and reserved seat ticket vending machines. Foreign travelers can also use the N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket or JAPAN RAIL PASS. Using the Eki-net conventional line ticketless limited express ticket allows for smooth boarding with just an IC card touch.

Please note that timetables, fares, and seating arrangements are subject to change. Check the latest information before departure to enjoy a comfortable journey on the Narita Express (N'EX).

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.